Maria Duncker lives and works in Helsinki, Finland. She studied in the University of Art and Design in 1985–88 (currently Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture) and the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts in 1988–92. Duncker uses performance and materials freely and versatily in her sculptures, photos, videos, action art and installations. She is known for her national costume made out of plastic bags and for tourist rides in camera obscura van in the early 2000s. Duncker was a candidate for the Ars Fennica Award in 2008.